Senator Bonacic Announces New State Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2013

Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) announced that new protections for domestic violence victims and a new tax exemption to encourage solar energy use are among the new state laws taking effect on January 1, 2013.

New state laws taking effect on January 1^st include the following:

* New Protections for Domestic Violence Victims (S.7638) – A new law designed to protect victims’ health care and insurance information. As of the first of the year, victims of domestic violence who seek medical and/or mental health services and use their health insurance to pay for that care can designate alternative contact information so they may receive health insurance correspondence in a safe location of their own choosing.

* Ban on Electronic Cigarettes for Minors (S.2926-B) – a new law prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes to children under the age of 18 years old.

* Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption (S.3203-B) – exempts the sale and installation of commercial solar energy systems equipment from state sales tax and compensating use taxes. As of January 1, 2013, municipalities will also have the authority to provide this exemption from local sales and use taxes.

* Student Health Care (S.7314-A) – allows eligible private and public colleges and universities in New York State to self-insure for their students’ health insurance needs. A college or university that becomes self-insured can be designed to meet the needs of the students and can reduce administrative costs.